Partnership to boost mental health and social connection

SURFING Victoria will deliver a Stand Up Paddleboarding program to support the mental wellbeing of young people by providing opportunities to reconnect with friends, families and communities thanks to VicHealth’s The Big Connect initiative.

Surfing Victoria received a share of VicHealth’s $5 million funding and aims to enrich the lives of regional multicultural youth through stand up paddleboarding (SUP).

The programs across the state will give unreached youth the opportunity to connect with each other, nature, and physical activity in a safe and fun environment.

“Surfing Victoria are stoked to be continuing our longstanding relationship with VicHealth and improve the lives of young Victorians,” Surfing Victoria CEO Adam Robertson said.

“Stand Up Paddleboarding is such an incredible way to experience the environment and take a break from the stresses of life whilst connecting with other young Victorians.”

VicHealth said they were thrilled to continue to their partnership with the Victorian surfing body and roll out the program.

“Young people have told us that they want more opportunities to connect with their peers and their community – they’re telling us that they’ve had a tough time, and that opportunities for social connection have been interrupted in a big way,” VicHealth’s Executive Manager of the Future Healthy program, Sarah Loh said.

“That’s why we have launched The Big Connect – to deliver what young people have told us they want and need to connect with each other and their communities,” said Loh.

To find out more about The Big Connect head to www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/funding/the-big-connect